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10 things you didn't know about the world's biggest dog show

The world’s biggest dog show takes place today and, despite persistent controversy, its popularity shows no sign of abating.

Around 27,000 dogs of all shapes and sizes are in Birmingham to take part in Crufts - just under 21,000 of which (from 220
different breeds) will be competing for a chance to win the coveted Best in Show.

A whopping 20,631 of these dogs will have traveled to the NEC from 44 different countries.

From the most successful breeds to the show's involvement in a murder trial, here is a look back at the history of Crufts.

1. It was originally just for terriers

Founded by dog biscuit salesman Charles Cruft in 1891, the inaugural event was billed as the “First Great Terrier Show”.
Five years later it was renamed “Cruft’s Greatest Dog Show” and opened to all breeds.

2. It’s by royal appointment

Queen Victoria’s collie Darnley II and two of her Pomeranians won prizes in 1891. The following year, dogs were entered by
more European royals: Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Pomeranian, Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia’s Borzoi and Prince Henry
of Battenburg’s collie.

3. Crufts has only missed 10 years out of 127

It wasn’t held during the two world wars or in 1954, due to an electrician’s strike. During 1972’s Winter of Discontent,
a truncated show took place under subdued lighting.

4. There’s no money in winning

Not directly, anyway. Best in Show winners receive a replica of the solid silver Keddall Memorial Trophy (named after Robert
Keddall, show manager for 30 years) and a modest cash prize of £100. However, it’s worth way more in sponsorship deals and
stud fees, as puppies from winners can fetch thousands.

5. One hound for every six humans

In 1991, Crufts was officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest dog show. Now 27,000 dogs
take part each year, with 160,000 human visitors attending.

6. There’s a lot of cleaning up to do

Around 350kg (or 55st) of canine fur will be cleared from the Birmingham NEC following the show.

7. There’s a mongrel version

In 2000, the Kennel Club started Scruffts – a show for crossbreeds, which compete for the titles of Most Handsome Dog, Prettiest
Bitch, Child’s Best Friend and Golden Oldie.

8 . It’s a dog-eat-dog world

Rumours of skulduggery have long dogged such shows, including claims of owners slipping rival dogs laxatives, poisoning them
or sticking chewing gum in their fur. In 1974, Crufts even featured in a murder trial. An Old Bailey jury heard how a man
started an affair with a woman he met at Crufts, then was stabbed to death by his wife with the knife he used to cut up their
dog’s food.

9. Cocker Spaniels are the best bet

Statistically, the most likely breed to win the Best in Show crown is the Cocker Spaniel, which has come out on top seven
times. Welsh Terriers and Irish Setters have won four times apiece. Labradors won three times during the Thirties but haven’t
triumphed since.

10. It’s no longer chums with the BBC

Crufts was televised by the BBC for half a century but this association ended in 2008 when a BBC One documentary criticised
breeding practices for compromising the health of pure-bred dogs. After several sponsors pulled out, the Kennel Club agreed
to review its breed standards and judging. The show has been broadcast on More4 and Channel 4 for the past six years – presented by Clare Balding.